Well, I have been riding for 8 years now but, I’ve only been racing competitively for 6 years and I love it!

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

My favorite memory that I have from racing would be the year that I won 1st place for the first time. It was a year after I had began racing hill climbs, I was only 13 years old and even though I there were only three girls in the class I was competing in, I was the only one to actually make it over the hill, giving me 1st overall. So it was a very exciting moment for me and I will never forget it!

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your sport?

The biggest lesson I have learned from my sport would be that you must always have a positive attitude no matter what. It’s a MUST, to be confident in yourself whenever you throw your leg over a dirt bike, it just makes things a whole lot easier; because if you go out there with negativity, it won’t do you any good when you’re riding. So just always be confident in yourself and you will be good to go out there! And if you don’t do good at one race, don’t let that bring you down, ’cause just remember, there will always be other races.

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

That you must have a lot of dedication and you have to work extremely hard to get to where you want to be in this sport. You have to give it your all whenever you’re racing or just out there practicing because in the end, it will all pay off!

How do you balance school and sports?

Well, I’m first going to start off by saying this, the rules in my house are that if you don’t get good grades in school, you can’t ride or race. So with me, since I am a senior now I get out of school at 12:00pm pretty much everyday; I come home do all of my homework and make time to go out and practice on weekends, since Saturday and Sunday are the only days that we can make a two hour drive out to the riding park where my brother and I can get some practice in on hills. On race weekends, if, I have homework I have to take it along with me and finish it in the toy hauler before I can go out and hang out with my friends or ride. For me though, it’s not as difficult as other athletes to balance school and sports since most of my races are on weekends.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Did you ever want to shrink someone and carry him or her around on your shoulder all day? Like a fairy to help you make uber important decisions, keep you company, or just a bud to bounce things off of? Okay… maybe I’m kind of strange, but I've always wanted my own personal fairy.

And now I'm lucky enough to have one… A human sized one. Michelle Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary Agency is my fairy agent.

Why is Michelle so amazing? Michelle is a fabulous agent and more… She’s a friend, a confidant, a lion in my corner, a teacher, a mentor, a guide, and most importantly, patient and honest. She's someone I admire. She's the best.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Two weeks ago, I was invited to play in my hometown's annual Thanksgiving alumni soccer game...

Here we are.. Representing Maple Shade High School Classes of 1990 - 2000 something, one coach, one son, and one cousin..

Something about strapping on my shin guards and hanging with teammates and friends.. I felt like I was a teen again. Uh.. I'm not. In fact, far from it. And I'm still sore. But, it was a blast and well worth the pain.

Did you check out Suzanne Young's fabulous interview with Razorbill President, Ben Shrank? :) It's a goodie and Razorbill rocks!

To be confident but not over confident. And to share the love of the sport. No one likes selfish people who want all the spotlight for themselves..

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

You must work very hard!! It’s important to have a good attitude on and off the water, and always try your very best.

What have you learned about teamwork?

It’s important to support each other, your teammates should always have your back!

How do you balance school and sports?

I spend 6 months of the year on school and the other 6 months focusing on kiteboarding only. When I’m in school I work on snowboarding.

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

Female would be Lisa Anderson, who is a legendary Pro surfer. She has been very inspirational to all women because of her hard work and determination. She proved to everyone women can do anything.

Male would be Jason Slezak, who is a Pro Kiteboarder. He has been in the industry since the beginning, winning hearts with his great attitude towards life and others, along with being a caring supportive friend.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I’m a fan of painting my nails. It makes me feel more girlie to have hot pink nails, versus chipped dirty nails from being in the water ☺

Check out the review below which was also featured on Pretty Tough last month.

Looking for an enjoyable basketball book to read this winter season? Check out P.V. Beck’s Sweet Turnaround J published by Bedazzled Ink.

Told over the course of a basketball season, Sweet Turnaround J follows sixteen- year-old spunky All State basketball player Janey Holmes through the most tumultuous season of her life. After her school suddenly closes, Janey must join a new team at a new school that hasn’t won a basketball game in over three years, leaving Janey to wonder, is her basketball career over?

As the Riverside Ravens transform from the worst to the best team in the league, Janey’s tumultuous temper, toughness, and first love are tested and begin to threaten the basketball team. Will the Ravens win the championship for the first time in school history? But, before this can happen, Janey has to overcome all the obstacles tossed her way. A fun book for the basketball player and fan.

Disclosure: P.V. Beck’s book arrived on my doorstep courtesy of the author's publisher. I often receive ARCs and/or books for reviews (most of the time due to my Chick Lit column for South Jersey Mom magazine and sometimes because I’m an author and other times because I beg). However, I do not blog about every book I receive, only the ones I absolutely adore or feel the need to recommend to fans of sporty lit.

About Me

Keri Mikulski is the author of HEAD GAMES (Razorbill/Penguin, January 6th, 2011), Pretty Tough Books 4-6 (Penguin/Razorbill, 2011-2012), SCREWBALL (The National Writing for Children Center’s 2008 Summer Young Adult Pick), and its sequel, CHANGE UP (a 2009 Cybil Nominee). Visit her website at http://www.kerimikulski.com.